Pressurized carbon dioxide bathing apparatus

ABSTRACT

Provided is a pressurized carbon dioxide bathing apparatus for causing even a small amount of carbon dioxide to be efficiently absorbed from skin of a living body with the structure of a cover suit simplified, and the pressurized carbon dioxide bathing apparatus is to bring carbon dioxide with a concentration of a predetermined value or more into contact with skin of the human body and thereby promote the blood circulation, and is characterized by being comprised of a carbon dioxide supply means  1  for supplying a mixed gas of carbon dioxide and water vapor, a compressed air supply means  2 , a first cover suit  3 A which is connected to the carbon dioxide supply means  1  via a connector  6 , is filled with the mixed gas supplied from the carbon dioxide supply means  1 , and forms an enclosed layer  4  to bring the mixed gas into direct contact with skin of the human body, and a second cover suit  3 B which is connected to the compressed air supply means  2  via a connector  7  and forms an enclosed layer  5  filled with compressed air supplied from the compressed air supply means  2  outside the first cover suit  3 A, where the carbon dioxide is brought into contact with skin of the human body with a predetermined pressure value or more by the compressed air.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a pressurized carbon dioxide bathingapparatus for bringing carbon dioxide into direct contact with skin of aliving body, thereby enlarging the blood vessel, and improving the bloodcirculation, and more particularly, to a pressurized carbon dioxidebathing apparatus for bringing carbon dioxide into contact with skin ofa living body by a predetermined pressure value or more using compressedair, and thereby enhancing absorption efficiency of carbon dioxide fromthe skin.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, it has been known that the blood vessel is enlarged whencarbon dioxide (CO₂) is absorbed from skin of a living body. Carbondioxide penetrates skin by simply contacting the skin, enlarges theblood vessel of the penetration site, improves the blood circulation,and thereby, exerts various physiological effects of reducing the bloodpressure, easing loads on the heart, improving metabolism, promoting theelimination of pain substances and waste products, etc.

Therefore, carbonated spring bathing and the like have been used fortreatments for high blood pressure, heart disease and arteriosclerosisor the like. Further, recently, as well as the medical purpose, carbondioxide has received attention in terms of health enhancement andcosmetic promotion by the blood circulation promoting effect.

As an example of conventional techniques to cause carbon dioxide to beabsorbed into the human body, used the most widely are bath agents thatgenerate carbon dioxide by being immersed in hot water in a bath. When abath agent is put into hot water, carbon dioxide trapped in the bathagent appears in the hot water in bubble form, part of carbon dioxide isdissolved in the hot water and contacts skin of a bathing person, and itis thus intend to osmose carbon dioxide from the skin into the body soas to exert the physiological effects as described above.

Further, as the conventional technique for bringing a larger amount ofcarbon dioxide into contact with the human body, carbon oxide bathingapparatuses are known (for example, Patent Documents 1, 2 and 3).

This kind of apparatus is to dissolve carbon dioxide in water in highconcentrations, and Patent Document 1 discloses a bath-agentcarbon-dioxide dispersing apparatus comprised of a carbon-dioxidebath-agent dissolving portion 2 and a carbon dioxide dispersingapparatus 1 having micropores 4, where bubbles of carbon dioxide becomeminute by both of micropores 3 provided between the dissolving portion 2and the dispersing apparatus 1 and the micropores 4 provided in thedispersing apparatus portion, the area such that carbon dioxide contactswater in the bath significantly increases while the contact time isincreased, and the bath agent is further prevented from floating due tobubbles around the bath agent, and thus, is intended to continuedissipating carbon oxide inside water in the bath until the end.

Further, in Patent Documents 2 and 3 are described a bath microbubblegenerating apparatus and carbon dioxide combined shower bathingapparatus where a bath is connected to a carbon dioxide generatingapparatus, and a large amount of carbon dioxide supplied from the carbondioxide generating apparatus is jetted in fine-bubble form to beactively dissolved in bath water in the bath.

In addition, the inventor of the invention previously proposed apressurized carbon dioxide bathing apparatus (Patent Document 4)characterized by being comprised of a carbon dioxide supply means forsupplying carbon dioxide being contained in water vapor, a compressedair supply means, and a cover suit of a two-layer structure which isconnected to the carbon dioxide supply means and compressed air supplymeans via a connector, and brings a mixed gas of carbon dioxide andwater vapor supplied from the carbon dioxide supply means into directcontact with skin of the human body, while forming an enclosing layerfor sealing compressed air supplied from the compressed air supplymeans, where carbon dioxide is brought into contact with skin of thehuman body with a predetermined pressure value or more by the compressedair.

-   Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.    2006-20985-   Patent Document 2: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.    2007-159902-   Patent Document 3: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.    2005-168859

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

However, the conventional techniques of above-mentioned Patent Documents1 to 3 are to dissolve carbon dioxide in water in a bath in bathing tobe absorbed from skin of the human body, and have problems that theabsorptance of carbon dioxide from skin is not high although a largeamount of carbon dioxide is consumed. Further, the use is limited to thetime of bathing.

Meanwhile, the pressurized carbon dioxide bathing apparatus of PatentDocument 4 proposed by the inventor of the invention brings carbondioxide contained in vapor water with a predetermined pressure value ormore into contact with skin, and thereby enables carbon dioxide to beabsorbed efficiently from the skin, but the structure is verycomplicated by the two-layer cover suit. Therefore, the manufacturingprocess of the cover suit becomes complicated, and there is a problemthat the manufacturing cost increases corresponding to the complicatedprocess.

The present invention was made in view of the above-mentionedconventional problems, and it is an object of the invention to provide apressurized carbon dioxide bathing apparatus for enabling even a smallamount of carbon dioxide to be efficiently absorbed from skin of aliving body, while simplifying the structure, and thereby enabling asimplification of the manufacturing process and reductions in themanufacturing cost.

Means for Solving the Problem

Therefore, the present invention provides a pressurized carbon dioxidebathing apparatus which is to bring carbon dioxide with a concentrationof a predetermined value or more into contact with skin of the humanbody, thereby enlarge the blood vessel and improve the bloodcirculation, and which is characterized by being comprised of a carbondioxide supply means for supplying carbon dioxide being contained inwater vapor, a compressed air supply means, a first cover suit which isconnected to the carbon dioxide supply means via a connector, is filledwith a mixed gas of carbon dioxide and water vapor supplied from thecarbon dioxide supply means, and forms an enclosed layer to bring themixed gas of carbon dioxide and water vapor into direct contact withskin of the human body, and a second cover suit which is connected tothe compressed air supply means via a connector and forms an enclosedlayer filled with compressed air supplied from the compressed air supplymeans outside the first cover suit, where the carbon dioxide is broughtinto contact with skin of the human body with a predetermined pressurevalue or more by the compressed air.

Further, the invention provides a pressurized carbon dioxide bathingapparatus which is to bring carbon dioxide with a concentration of apredetermined value or more into contact with skin of an animal, therebyenlarge the blood vessel and improve the blood circulation, and which ischaracterized by being comprised of a carbon dioxide supply means forsupplying carbon dioxide being contained in water vapor, a compressedair supply means, a first cover suit which is connected to the carbondioxide supply means via a connector, is filled with a mixed gas ofcarbon dioxide and water vapor supplied from the carbon dioxide supplymeans, and forms an enclosed layer to bring the mixed gas of carbondioxide and water vapor into direct contact with skin of the animal, anda second cover suit which is connected to the compressed air supplymeans via a connector and forms an enclosed layer filled with compressedair supplied from the compressed air supply means outside the firstcover suit, where the carbon dioxide is brought into contact with skinof the animal with a predetermined pressure value or more by thecompressed air.

Thus, in the pressurized carbon dioxide bathing apparatus, thecompressed air layer formed in the second cover suit presses, by acertain pressure, the mixed gas of carbon dioxide and water vapordirectly contacting skin of the human body or an animal in the mixed gaslayer of carbon dioxide and water vapor formed in the first cover suit,and thereby remarkably enhances permeability of carbon dioxide from theskin. Further, since it is not necessary to increase the pressure of themixed gas of carbon dioxide and water vapor itself, a large amount ofcarbon dioxide is not required, and it is possible to efficiently usecarbon dioxide. Furthermore, since the first cover suit and second coversuit are formed separately, it is possible to simplify the manufacturingprocess and reduce the manufacturing cost.

Further, the pressurized carbon dioxide bathing apparatus of theinvention is applicable to not only the human body, but also animals(for example, racehorses, pets, etc.).

Herein, the compressed air supply means may always performpressurization using the compressed air, but may perform intervalpressurization for repeating pressurization and depressurization on thecompressed air at predetermined time intervals. It is naturally possibleto enhance permeability of carbon dioxide from skin by continuouspressurization, and it is possible to further improve permeability bypressurizing at intervals.

Herein, the carbon dioxide supply apparatus used in the pressurizedcarbon dioxide bathing apparatus is provided with a carbon dioxideinserting portion in which is inserted a carbon dioxide bottle withcarbon dioxide filled therein, and a water-retaining portion forreceiving water, releases the carbon dioxide inside the carbon oxidebottle into the water-retaining portion in bubble form of fine-particlesize, and thereby obtains the mixed gas of carbon dioxide and watervapor.

Then, the temperature of water inside the carbon dioxide supplyapparatus is set at the range of 40° to 70° C., and it is thereby madepossible to warm skin as in bathing to enable the blood circulation tobe excellent by itself. Further, when the water contains either one orsome of vitamin E, vitamin C, photocatalyst and apatite and a complex ofcyclodextrin, it is possible to further add specific effects such asblood circulation promotion, sterilization and the like.

Further, the compressed air supply means is provided with a heatingmeans, and is capable of supplying hot air or cool air by ON/OFF of theheating means.

Then, the air pressure supplied from the compressed air supply means isset at the range of 1.2 to 2.5 atmospheres. By this means, it ispossible to further produce the pressure-massage effect on skin by thecompressed air.

Therefore, the compressed air supply means uses (1) compressed airbottle, (2) electrically driven compressor, or (3) manual bag-shaped airpressure device (for example, manual air bag used in a blood pressuregauge or foot-operated type air pressure device for filling air in afloat).

Herein, as the first cover suit and second cover suit, various coversuits can be used such as, for example, a cover suit for the lower bodyto envelop the lumbar part and lower limbs of the human body, cover suitfor the upper body to envelop the abdominal part and upper limbs of thehuman body, cover suit for the single lower limb to envelop one leg ofthe human body, and cover suit for the single upper limb to envelop onehand of the human body. Then, some of these various kinds of cover suitscan be used concurrently.

Then, the first cover suit and second cover suit are formed from any oneor a combination of some of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidenechloride, polystyrene, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, nylon orpolytetrafluoroethylene and woven fabric or non-woven fabric. Further,the first cover suit and second cover suit are provided at their openingportions with a fastening means that is a cord or hook-and-loopfastener, and thereby prevent the mixed gas of carbon dioxide and watervapor and the compressed air from dissipating into the atmosphere.

Each of connectors, which are provided in the first cover suit andsecond cover suit to receive the mixed gas from the carbon dioxidesupply means and the compressed air from the compressed air supplymeans, is a screw-type connector or an insert-type connector with a tapformed therein.

Advantageous Effect of the Invention

According to the invention, the inner cover suit filled with the mixedgas of carbon dioxide and water vapor is pressurized by compressed airfilled into the outer cover suit, and it is thereby possible to causeeven a small amount of carbon dioxide to be efficiently absorbed fromskin.

Further, by forming the inner cover suit and outer cover suitseparately, it is possible to simplify the manufacturing process andreduce the manufacturing cost.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an entire schematic view of a pressurized carbon dioxidebathing apparatus (for the lower body) according to Embodiment 1 of theinvention;

FIG. 2 contains schematic views respectively illustrating structures ofan inner cover suit and an outer cover suit of the pressurized carbondioxide bathing apparatus (for the lower body) according to Embodiment 1of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a principal-part enlarged view showing the contactrelationship between the cross section of the cover suit and skin in thepressurized carbon dioxide bathing apparatus according to Embodiment 1of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a carbon dioxide supply apparatus of thepressurized carbon dioxide bathing apparatus according to Embodiment 1of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a pressurized carbon dioxide bathingapparatus (for the upper body) according to Embodiment 2 of theinvention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a pressurized carbon dioxide bathingapparatus (for the single lower limb) according to Embodiment 3 of theinvention;

FIG. 7 contains schematic views of pressurized carbon dioxide bathingapparatuses (for the single upper limb) according to Embodiment 4 of theinvention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a pressurized carbon dioxide bathingapparatus (with a frame) according to Embodiment 5 of the invention; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a pressurized carbon dioxide bathingapparatus (for horses) according to Embodiment 6 of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS

-   1 Carbon dioxide supply apparatus-   2 Compressor-   3, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 Cover suit-   3A, 30A, 40A, 50A, 60A, 70A Inner cover suit-   3B, 30B, 40B, 50B, 60B, 70B Outer cover suit-   4, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71 Mixed gas layer of carbon dioxide and water    vapor-   5, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72 Pressurizing layer-   6, 7 Hose-   6 a, 7 a Connector-   6 b Through connector-   8A, 8B, 33, 33A, 33B, 34, 34A, 34B, 43, 43A, 43B, 53, 53A, 53B, 63,    63A, 63B, 73, 73A, 73B Fastening portion-   9 Skin-   12 Warm water filling opening-   13 Water-retaining tank-   14 Carbon dioxide inserting portion-   15 Mixed gas supply opening-   16 Cap-   17 Carbon dioxide bottle-   18 Carbon dioxide-   19 Warm water-   20 Mixed gas of carbon dioxide and water vapor-   54 Air supply bulb-   64 Frame

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention will specifically be described below withreference to drawings.

[Embodiment 1]

FIG. 1 is an entire schematic view of a pressurized carbon dioxidebathing apparatus (for the lower body) according to Embodiment 1 of theinvention. Further, FIG. 2 contains schematic views respectivelyillustrating structures of an inner cover suit and an outer cover suit,where FIG. 2( a) shows the inner cover suit, and FIG. 2( b) shows theouter cover suit. Furthermore, FIG. 3 is a principal-part enlarged viewshowing the contact relationship between the cross section of the coversuit and skin of the human body, and FIG. 4 is a schematic view of acarbon dioxide supply apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pressurized carbon dioxide bathing apparatusaccording to this Embodiment is comprised of a carbon dioxide supplyapparatus 1 for supplying carbon dioxide being contained in water vapor,a compressor 2 for supplying compressed air, a cover suit 3 formed froman inner cover suit 3A that covers the human body (herein, the lowerbody as an example) and that is filled with the mixed gas of carbondioxide and water vapor to cause the mixed gas to contact skin of thisarea to be absorbed, and an outer cover suit 3B that is filled withcompressed air to pressurize the mixed gas inside the inner cover suit3A, a hose 6 as a connector that connects between the carbon dioxidesupply apparatus 1 and inner cover suit 3A to supply the mixed gas ofcarbon dioxide and water vapor into the inner cover suit 3A, and a hose7 as a connector that connects between the compressor 2 and outer coversuit 3B to supply compressed air into the outer cover suit 3B.

As described above, the cover suit 3 has the shape of covering andenveloping the human body (herein, lower body), and is formed from theinner cover suit 3A and outer cover suit 3B. As shown in FIG. 2, theinner cover suit 3A and outer cover suit 3B are formed separately, andin using, the inner cover suit 3A and then, the outer cover suit 3B areworn in this order. The outer cover suit 3B is formed to be slightlylarger than the inner cover suit 3A. In addition, in the inner coversuit 3A, an opening portion to put on/off is provided with a fasteningportion 8A to prevent the mixed gas of carbon dioxide and water vaporfrom leaking. Further, similarly, in the outer cover suit 3B, an openingportion to put on/off is provided with a fastening portion 8B to preventcompressed air from leaking.

By wearing the inner cover suit 3A and outer cover suit 3B in thisorder, a two-layer structure is formed inside the cover suit 3. Theinside of the cover suit 3 is sealed by the above-mentioned fasteningportions 8A and 8B, and to the inside of the inner cover suit 3A issupplied the mixed gas of carbon dioxide and water vapor from the carbondioxide supply apparatus 1, while to the inside of the outer cover suit3B is supplied compressed air from the compressor 2, via the hoses 6 and7, respectively. By this means, as shown in FIG. 3, a mixed gas layer 4of carbon dioxide and water vapor is formed between the inner cover suit3A and skin 9, and a pressurizing layer 5 comprised of compressed air isformed between the inner cover suit 3A and outer cover suit 3B. Thepressurizing layer 5 pressurizes the mixed gas layer 4 of carbon dioxideand water vapor against skin 9 from the outside to promote absorption ofcarbon dioxide from skin 9.

The fastening portions 8A, 8B provided in the cover suit 3 are comprisedof a stretch material fitting the body, and for example, byhook-and-loop fasteners, are fastened at positions in accordance withthe body shape of a user to seal the inside of the cover suit 3. Inaddition, as the fastening means in the fastening portions 8A, 8B, acord, rubber band or combination thereof may be used, as well as thehook-and-loop fastener. Further, such a structure may be adopted thatenables fastening by tightening with air pressure.

The cover suit 3 is formed of a non-breathable material (for example,any one or a combination of some of polyethylene, polypropylene,polyvinylidene chloride, polystyrene, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinylchloride, nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene, woven fabric and non-wovenfabric, etc.).

In addition, as shown in FIG. 2( a), the inner cover suit 3A is providedwith a connector 6 a to connect the other end of the hose 6 with one endthereof connected to the carbon dioxide supply apparatus 1. Meanwhile,as shown in FIG. 2( b), also the outer cover suit 3B is provided with aconnector 7 a to connect the other end of the hose 7 with one endthereof connected to the compressor 2. Further, the outer cover suit 3Bis provided with a through connector 6 b to insert the hose 6 throughthe outer cover suit 3B from the outside to the inside of the suit 3B,while sealing the inside of the outer cover suit 3B to preventcompressed air inside the outer cover suit 3B from leaking with the hose6 secured to a predetermined position. The through connector 6 b mayhave a structure for use in a tube joint, or the inside of the outercover suit 3B may be sealed simply using a rubber band, cord orcombination thereof. The point is that any structure with any materialcan be adopted, as long as the structure enables the hose 6 to beinserted into the inner cover suit 3A, while further enabling the insideof the outer cover suit 3B to be sealed. In addition, the hoses 6, 7 areprovided at their end portions with taps, and can be connected to theconnectors 6 a, 7 a in a screw type or insert type, respectively.Further, the hoses 6, 7 are provided at their inside with non-returnvalves to prevent back flow of the gas.

As shown in FIG. 4, the carbon dioxide supply apparatus 1 is anapparatus to obtain a mixed gas of carbon dioxide and water vapor byreleasing carbon dioxide into warm water. The carbon dioxide supplyapparatus 1 is comprised of a warm water filling opening 12 for fillingwarm water 19, a water-retaining tank 13 for retaining the warm water 19filled from the warm water filling opening 12, a carbon dioxideinserting portion provided at its inside with a needle to open a carbondioxide bottle 17 to release carbon dioxide 18 into the warm water 19inside the water-retaining tank 13, a mixed gas supply opening 15 forretrieving a mixed gas 20 of carbon dioxide and water vapor generated byreleasing the carbon dioxide 18 into the warm water 19, and a cap 16 tosecure the carbon dioxide bottle 17, while pressing the carbon dioxidebottle 17 against the carbon dioxide inserting portion 14.

Then, first, the warm water 19 with temperatures ranging from about 40°to 70° C. is filled into the water-retaining tank 13 from the warm waterfilling opening 12. Next, the carbon dioxide bottle 17 is inserted inthe carbon dioxide inserting portion 14. By screwing the cap 16, thecarbon dioxide bottle 17 is pressed down, and when the cap 16 is screwedcompletely, the carbon dioxide bottle 17 is opened by the needleprovided inside the carbon dioxide inserting portion 14. Then, thecarbon dioxide 18 is swiftly released into the warm water 19. By thismeans, the mixed gas 20 of the carbon dioxide and water vapor isproduced, and supplied to the inside of the inner cover suit 3A from themixed gas supply opening 15 through the hose 6.

Herein, as described above, carbon dioxide has physiological effects ofpenetrating from skin, enlarging the blood vessel and promoting theblood circulation. Further, in the pressurized carbon dioxide bathingapparatus, by adding a chemical agent such as menthol causing the reliefeffect, vitamin E to further promote the blood circulation, vitamin C tomake the skin beautiful, chemical agent (for example, complex ofphotocatalyst and apatite) to decontaminate bacteria, etc adhered to thesurface of skin to sterilize, and/or cyclodextrin, etc. to enhance thepharmacological effects of these chemical agents and the like to thewarm water 19 to fill into the water-retaining tank 13 from the warmwater filling opening 12, it is also possible to produce synergisticphysiological effects with the physiological effects by carbon dioxide.

In addition, the configuration of the carbon dioxide supply apparatus 1is not limited to that as described above. For example, thecartridge-type small-size carbon dioxide bottle 17 is used herein as anexample, but as a substitute for the bottle 17, the apparatus 1 may beconnected to an industrial large-size gas bottle, etc. via a valve.

The compressor 2 supplies compressed air to the pressurizing layer 5 ofthe cover suit 3. At this point, the air pressure of supplied compressedair is set at the range of about 1.2 to 2.5 atmospheres. In addition,pressurization by compressed air from the compressor 2 may be alwaysperformed, and the effects can further be enhanced by intervalpressurization for repeating pressurization and depressurization atpredetermined time intervals. The interval preferably ranges fromseveral seconds to several dozen seconds.

As the compressor 2, a compressed air bottle is preferably used. As wellas the compressed air bottle, to use the apparatus 1 readily at home,for example, a household futon dryer or the like may be used. Further,the compressor 2 preferably supplies hot air or cold air using a heater.

In addition, only the lower body is targeted in the above-mentionedEmbodiment, and varying the shape of the cover suit enables pressurizedcarbon dioxide bathing to be performed on various body parts.

[Embodiment 2]

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a pressurized carbon dioxide bathingapparatus (for the upper body) according to Embodiment 2 of theinvention.

Described herein is a pressurized carbon dioxide bathing apparatus forthe purpose of performing pressurized carbon dioxide bathing on theupper body. In addition, in FIG. 5, parts with the same configurationsas in FIG. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals to omitdescriptions thereof.

In FIG. 5, a cover suit 30 is formed from an inner cover suit 30A andouter cover suit 30B. The inner cover suit 30A and outer cover suit 30Bare formed separately, and in using, the inner cover suit 30A and then,the outer cover suit 30B are worn in this order. The outer cover suit30B is formed to be slightly larger than the inner cover suit 30A. Then,to the inside of the inner cover suit 30A is supplied the mixed gas ofcarbon dioxide and water vapor from the carbon dioxide supply apparatus1, and next, to the inside of the outer cover suit 30B is suppliedcompressed air from the compressor 2. By this means, a mixed gas layer31 of carbon dioxide and water vapor is formed between the inner coversuit 30A and skin, and a pressurizing layer 32 comprised of compressedair is formed between the inner cover suit 30A and outer cover suit 30B.The pressurizing layer 32 pressurizes the mixed gas layer 31 of carbondioxide and water vapor against the skin from the outside to promoteabsorption of carbon dioxide from the skin.

As shown in FIG. 5, in this Embodiment, the cover suit 30 has the shapeof covering and enveloping the entire upper body. In an opening of thelumbar part, fastening portions 33 (33A, 33B) are provided respectivelyin the inner cover suit 30A and outer cover suit 30B, are fastened tofit the body at positions in accordance with the body shape of a user,and prevent the gas from leaking. In addition, also in an opening of theneck part, fastening portions 34 (34A, 34B) are provided to facilitateputting on/off, while preventing the gas from leaking. Each of thefastening portions 33 and 34 is preferably formed of a cord, rubber bandor combination thereof, as well as the hook-and-loop fastener. Further,such a structure may be adopted that enables fastening by tighteningwith air pressure.

[Embodiment 3]

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a pressurized carbon dioxide bathingapparatus (for the single lower limb) according to Embodiment 3 of theinvention.

Described herein is a pressurized carbon dioxide bathing apparatus forthe purpose of performing pressurized carbon dioxide bathing on thesingle lower limb. In addition, in FIG. 6, parts with the sameconfigurations as in FIG. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals toomit descriptions thereof.

In FIG. 6, a cover suit 40 is formed from an inner cover suit 40A andouter cover suit 40B. The inner cover suit 40A and outer cover suit 40Bare formed separately, and in using, the inner cover suit 40A and then,the outer cover suit 40B are worn in this order. The outer cover suit40B is formed to be slightly larger than the inner cover suit 40A. Then,to the inside of the inner cover suit 40A is supplied the mixed gas ofcarbon dioxide and water vapor from the carbon dioxide supply apparatus1, and next, to the inside of the outer cover suit 40B is suppliedcompressed air from the compressor 2. By this means, a mixed gas layer41 of carbon dioxide and water vapor is formed between the inner coversuit 40A and skin, and a pressurizing layer 42 comprised of compressedair is formed between the inner cover suit 40A and outer cover suit 40B.The pressurizing layer 42 pressurizes the mixed gas layer 41 of carbondioxide and water vapor against the skin from the outside to promoteabsorption of carbon dioxide from the skin.

As shown in FIG. 6, in this Embodiment, the cover suit 40 has the shapeof covering and enveloping the single lower limb. In an opening of thefemoral region, fastening portions 43 (43A, 43B) are providedrespectively in the inner cover suit 40A and outer cover suit 40B, arefastened to fit the body at positions in accordance with the body shapeof a user, and prevent the gas from leaking. The fastening portion 43 ispreferably formed of a cord, rubber band or combination thereof, as wellas the hook-and-loop fastener. Further, such a structure may be adoptedthat enables fastening by tightening with air pressure.

[Embodiment 4]

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a pressurized carbon dioxide bathingapparatus (for the single upper limb) according to Embodiment 4 of theinvention.

Described herein is a pressurized carbon dioxide bathing apparatus forthe purpose of performing pressurized carbon dioxide bathing on thesingle upper limb. In addition, in FIG. 7, parts with the sameconfigurations as in FIG. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals toomit descriptions thereof.

In FIG. 7, a cover suit 50 is formed from an inner cover suit 50A andouter cover suit 50B. The inner cover suit 50A and outer cover suit 50Bare formed separately, and in using, the inner cover suit 50A and then,the outer cover suit 50B are worn in this order. The outer cover suit50B is formed to be slightly larger than the inner cover suit 50A. Then,to the inside of the inner cover suit 50A is supplied the mixed gas ofcarbon dioxide and water vapor from the carbon dioxide supply apparatus1, and next, to the inside of the outer cover suit 50B is suppliedcompressed air from the compressor 2. By this means, a mixed gas layer51 of carbon dioxide and water vapor is formed between the inner coversuit 50A and skin, and a pressurizing layer 52 comprised of compressedair is formed between the inner cover suit 50A and outer cover suit 50B.The pressurizing layer 52 pressurizes the mixed gas layer 51 of carbondioxide and water vapor against the skin from the outside to promoteabsorption of carbon dioxide from the skin.

As shown in FIG. 7, in this Embodiment, the cover suit 50 has the shapeof covering and enveloping the single upper limb. In an opening of theupper arm region, fastening portions 53 (53A, 53B) are providedrespectively in the inner cover suit 50A and outer cover suit 50B, arefastened to fit the body at positions in accordance with the body shapeof a user, and prevent the gas from leaking. The fastening portion 53 ispreferably formed of a cord, rubber band or combination thereof, as wellas the hook-and-loop fastener. Further, such a structure may be adoptedthat enables fastening by tightening with air pressure.

In addition, in FIG. 7( a), the compressor 2 is disposed as in the otherEmbodiments as a compressed air supply means, and in FIG. 7( b), as asubstitute for the compressor 2, a bag-shaped air supply bulb 54 isdisposed as a manual air pressure device. For example, the air supplybulb 54 has the same configuration as that of a pressurizing air supplybulb of a manual blood pressure gauge, is made of rubber or the like,supplies air into the pressurizing layer 52 by hand, and thereby enablespressurization to be performed easily.

[Embodiment 5]

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a pressurized carbon dioxide bathingapparatus according to Embodiment 5 of the invention.

In this Embodiment, a frame to adjust the pressure is provided outsideof the pressurizing layer of the cover suit. In addition, in FIG. 8,parts with the same configurations as in FIG. 1 are assigned the samereference numerals to omit descriptions thereof.

In FIG. 8, a cover suit 60 is formed from an inner cover suit 60A andouter cover suit 60B. The inner cover suit 60A and outer cover suit 60Bare formed separately, and in using, the inner cover suit 60A and then,the outer cover suit 60B are worn in this order. The outer cover suit60B is formed to be slightly larger than the inner cover suit 60A.Further, a frame 64 for pressure adjustments is provided on the outersurface of the outer cover suit 60B. To the inside of the inner coversuit 60A is supplied the mixed gas of carbon dioxide and water vaporfrom the carbon dioxide supply apparatus 1, and next, to the inside ofthe outer cover suit 60B is supplied compressed air from the compressor2. By this means, a mixed gas layer 61 of carbon dioxide and water vaporis formed between the inner cover suit 60A and skin, and a pressurizinglayer 62 comprised of compressed air is formed between the inner coversuit 60A and outer cover suit 60B. The pressurizing layer 62 pressurizesthe mixed gas layer 61 of carbon dioxide and water vapor against theskin from the outside to promote absorption of carbon dioxide from theskin.

As shown in FIG. 8, in an opening of the cover suit 60, fasteningportions 63 (63A, 63B) are provided respectively in the inner cover suit60A and outer cover suit 60B, are fastened to fit the body at positionsin accordance with the body shape of a user, and prevent the gas fromleaking.

Herein, the frame 64 is made of, for example, nylon resin or the like,and is configured to be wound in the shape of a ring or spiral outsidethe outer cover suit 60B and fixed. Further, for the lower limb as shownin FIG. 8, the radius of the ring or spiral decreases as the distanceincreases toward the ankle from the femora, for example, and thus, theframe 64 is formed in accordance with the schematic shape of the body.By this means, the pressure of the pressurizing layer 62 is preventedfrom being applied outward, and since pressurization can be performeduniformly in accordance with the schematic shape of the body, it ispossible to further enhance absorption efficiency of carbon dioxide intoskin.

In addition, the above-mentioned Embodiments are described using thehuman body as a target for performing pressured dioxide carbon bathing,but the invention is not limited thereto, and may target animals. AnEmbodiment of the case targeted for animals will be described below.

[Embodiment 6]

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a pressurized carbon dioxide bathingapparatus according to Embodiment 6 of the invention. Herein,descriptions are made using a horse as an example of animals targetedfor pressurized carbon dioxide bathing. In addition, in FIG. 9, partswith the same configurations as in FIG. 1 are assigned the samereference numerals to omit descriptions thereof.

In FIG. 9, a cover suit 70 is formed from an inner cover suit 70A andouter cover suit 70B. The inner cover suit 70A and outer cover suit 70Bare formed separately, and in using, the inner cover suit 70A and then,the outer cover suit 70B are installed in this order. The outer coversuit 70B is formed to be slightly larger than the inner cover suit 70A.Then, to the inside of the inner cover suit 70A is supplied the mixedgas of carbon dioxide and water vapor from the carbon dioxide supplyapparatus 1, and next, to the inside of the outer cover suit 70B issupplied compressed air from the compressor 2. By this means, a mixedgas layer 71 of carbon dioxide and water vapor is formed between theinner cover suit 70A and skin of the horse, and a pressurizing layer 72comprised of compressed air is formed between the inner cover suit 70Aand outer cover suit 70B. The pressurizing layer 72 pressurizes themixed gas layer 71 of carbon dioxide and water vapor against the skinfrom the outside to promote absorption of carbon dioxide from the skinof the horse.

As shown in FIG. 9, in this Embodiment, the cover suit 70 has the shapeof covering and enveloping the entire hind leg of the horse. In anopening of the thigh region, fastening portions 73 (73A, 73B) areprovided respectively in the inner cover suit 70A and outer cover suit70B, are fastened to fit the body at positions in accordance with thebody shape, and prevent the gas from leaking. Each of the fasteningportions 73 is preferably formed of a cord, rubber band or combinationthereof, as well as the hook-and-loop fastener. Further, such astructure may be adopted that enables fastening by tightening with airpressure.

Thus, the pressurized carbon dioxide bathing apparatus of the inventionis applicable to not only the human body, but also animals (for example,racehorses, pets, etc.).

As described above, according to the pressurized carbon dioxide bathingapparatus of the invention, it is possible to cause even a small amountof carbon dioxide to be efficiently absorbed from skin of a living bodyby pressurizing, and further, since the structure of the cover suit issimple, it is possible to simplify the manufacturing process of the suitand reduce the manufacturing cost.

In the foregoing, the Embodiments of the invention are described, butthe invention is not limited to the above-mentioned Embodiments, andvarious modifications thereof are capable of being made based on thesubject matter of the invention, and should not be excluded from thescope of the invention.

Industrial Applicability

The present invention relates to a pressurized carbon dioxide bathingapparatus for bringing carbon dioxide into direct contact with skin of aliving body, thereby enlarging the blood vessel and improving the bloodcirculation, and more particularly, to a pressurized carbon dioxidebathing apparatus for bringing carbon dioxide into contact with skin ofa living body by a predetermined pressure value or more using compressedair, and thereby enhancing absorption efficiency of carbon dioxide fromthe skin, and has industrial applicability.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A pressurized carbon dioxide bathingapparatus which is to bring carbon dioxide with a concentration of apredetermined value or more into contact with skin of a human body,thereby enlarge the blood vessel and improve the blood circulation,comprising: a carbon dioxide supply unit to supply carbon dioxidecontained in water vapor; a compressed air supply unit; a first coversuit connected to the carbon dioxide supply unit via a connector andfilled with a mixed gas of carbon dioxide and water vapor supplied fromthe carbon dioxide supply unit, and the first cover suit forming anenclosed layer to bring the mixed gas of carbon dioxide and water vaporinto direct contact with the skin of the human body; and a second coversuit connected to the compressed air supply unit via another connector,the second cover suite forming another enclosed layer filled withcompressed air supplied from the compressed air supply unit outside thefirst cover suit, wherein the carbon dioxide supply unit has a carbondioxide bottle with carbon dioxide, water, a carbon dioxide insertingportion to which the carbon dioxide bottle with carbon dioxide filledtherein is inserted, a water-retaining portion for receiving water, anda mixed gas supply opening communicating with the connector of the firstcover suit, the carbon dioxide inserting portion releasing the carbondioxide inside the carbon dioxide bottle into water in thewater-retaining portion in bubble form of fine-particle size, therebyobtaining the mixed gas of carbon dioxide and water vapor, wherein themixed gas of carbon dioxide and water vapor from the carbon dioxidesupply unit is brought into contact with the skin of the human body withthe predetermined pressure value or more by the compressed air.
 2. Apressurized carbon dioxide bathing apparatus which is to bring carbondioxide with a concentration of a predetermined value or more intocontact with skin of an animal, thereby enlarge the blood vessel andimprove the blood circulation, comprising: a carbon dioxide supply unitto supply carbon dioxide contained in water vapor; a compressed airsupply unit; a first cover suit connected to the carbon dioxide supplyunit via a connector and filled with a mixed gas of carbon dioxide andwater vapor supplied from the carbon dioxide supply unit, and the firstcover suit forming an enclosed layer to bring the mixed gas of carbondioxide and water vapor into direct contact with the skin of the animal,and a second cover suit connected to the compressed air supply unit viaanother connector, the second cover suite forming another enclosed layerfilled with compressed air supplied from the compressed air supply unitoutside the first cover suit, wherein the carbon dioxide supply unit hasa carbon dioxide bottle with carbon oxide, water, a carbon dioxideinserting portion to which the carbon dioxide bottle with carbon dioxidefilled therein is inserted, a water-retaining portion for receivingwater, and a mixed gas supply opening communicating with the connectorof the first cover suit, the carbon dioxide inserting portion releasingthe carbon dioxide inside the carbon dioxide bottle into water in thewater-retaining portion in bubble form of fine-particle size, therebyobtaining the mixed gas of carbon dioxide and water vapor, wherein themixed gas of carbon dioxide and water vapor from the carbon dioxidesupply unit is brought into contact with the skin of the animal with thepredetermined pressure value or more by the compressed air.
 3. Thepressurized carbon dioxide bathing apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the compressed air supply unit always performs pressurizationusing the compressed air.
 4. The pressurized carbon dioxide bathingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the compressed air supply unitperforms interval pressurization on the compressed air.
 5. Thepressurized carbon dioxide bathing apparatus according to claim 1,wherein a temperature of water inside the carbon dioxide supply unitranges from 40° to 70° C.
 6. The pressurized carbon dioxide bathingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the water contains either one orsome of vitamin E, vitamin C, photocatalyst and apatite and a complex ofcyclodextrin.
 7. The pressurized carbon dioxide bathing apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the compressed air supply unit has aheating unit, and supplies hot air or cool air by ON/OFF of the heatingunit.
 8. The pressurized carbon dioxide bathing apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein a pressure of the air supplied from the compressed airsupply unit ranges from 1.2 to 2.5 atmospheres.
 9. The pressurizedcarbon dioxide bathing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein thecompressed air supply unit has a compressed air bottle.
 10. Thepressurized carbon dioxide bathing apparatus according to claim 8,wherein the compressed air supply unit has an electrically drivencompressor.
 11. The pressurized carbon dioxide bathing apparatusaccording to claim 8, wherein the compressed air supply unit has amanual bag-shaped air pressure device.
 12. The pressurized carbondioxide bathing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first coversuit and the second cover suit are a cover suit for a lower body toenvelop a lumbar part and lower limbs of the human body.
 13. Thepressurized carbon dioxide bathing apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the first cover suit and the second cover suit are a cover suitfor an upper body including an abdominal part and upper limbs of thehuman body.
 14. The pressurized carbon dioxide bathing apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the first cover suit and the second coversuit are a cover suit for single lower limb to envelop one leg of thehuman body.
 15. The pressurized carbon dioxide bathing apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the first cover suit and the second coversuit are a cover suit for single upper limb to envelop one hand of thehuman body.
 16. The pressurized carbon dioxide bathing apparatusaccording to claim 2, wherein the first cover suit and the second coversuit are formed from any one or a combination of some of polyethylene,polypropylene, polyvinylidene chloride, polystyrene, polyvinyl acetate,polyvinyl chloride, nylon or polytetrafluoroethylene, and woven fabricor non-woven fabric.
 17. The pressurized carbon dioxide bathingapparatus according to claim 16, wherein the first cover suit and thesecond cover suit are provided at their opening portions with afastening portion that is a cord or hook-and-loop fastener, and therebyprevent the mixed gas of carbon dioxide and water vapor and thecompressed air from dissipating into the atmosphere.
 18. The pressurizedcarbon dioxide bathing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each ofthe connectors, which are provided in the first cover suit and thesecond cover suit to receive the mixed gas from the carbon dioxidesupply unit and the compressed air from the compressed air supply unit,is a screw-type connector or an insert-type connector with a tap formedtherein.
 19. The pressurized carbon dioxide bathing apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the carbon dioxide supply unit further includes awarm water filling opening from which the water is supplied to thewater-retaining portion.